And agreement signed between Spain and Portugal in which they divide the ‘new world’ amongst themselves.
This allowed the two countries to explore and settle their own parts of the new world without dispute and became the basis for some of the South American countries such as Brazil. It also was the main point of frustration for other European nations now interested in the new world as they were not given the opportunity to debate their share, thus a fight for land begun.
Early 16th Century
Attempt To Colonise
European countries (including England and France) began to dispute the Treaty of Tordesillas and attempted to colonise the Americas unsuccessfully
This effectively became a race between the European nations who where competing for land and attempting to colonise this new world. It is this competitive nature and greed that spurred the settlement of America by Britain.
1607
Settlement of Jamestown
The first permanent settlement of Britain in America
This provided England with a foot hold in the Americas as well as fertile land. Crops of tobacco where grown and proved to be extremely profitable, encouraging the further development / settlement of Jamestown/ Virginia/America.
1619
House of Burgesses
Formation of the first representative self government.
This ended the monopoly of land ownership and allowed colonists to take control and initiative in the run of their land which they now owned. Representatives where elected to govern the new ‘cities’ of Virginia as a part of their new freedom in self determination.
Colonialism